On Wed, Jan 09 2008, 12:34 AM, amazincc wrote:My heart just hurts... for him, for me... and as much as I want him to live - I somehow can't justify to myself to go about it this way.I do want it understood that this is not the "easy way out" for me... it's damned hard and I've already been second-guessing myself 50 times, just typing this. I haven't made a final decision yet... but my heart is telling me to switch over to the oral meds and just let Mick enjoy his remaining time w/us... he so LOVES life... and I so LOVE him.

There is no "easy way out" in your situation. There is only what is right for you and for Mick. You're the one who knows what that is and we will all stand by you in whatever you decide to do.

I agree with Joyce -- make a list of pros and cons and look at it with your logical mind. Hopefully that will help.

Love and hugs to you and Mick!

Never make someone a priority in your life when that someone treats you like an option.

Oh Christine, I started crying when you wrote that Mick still got you a leaf after that. I think we all know that whatever choice you make is not going to be "the easy way out." I can't imagine the position you're in right now, but I do know that you have Mick's best interests at heart. Whatever you do, we support you 100%.

Give the big lug some scritches right at the base of his tail from me and Inara.

"Remember - every time your dog gets somewhere on a tight leash *a fairy dies and it's all your fault.* Think of the fairies." http://www.positivepetzine.com"

Christine - My heart is breaking for you right now. I can't imagine the pain you must be feeling. Mick is a very special dog in so many ways. Perhaps a little valium is worth a shot before his next visit, see if it makes it any easier for him. I wish I could wave a magic wand and he'd be cured, or at the very least a clear path would open up and you'd know what decision you had to make. Whatever happens, whatever you decide, we know - and you know - that in your heart you truly love this dog and only would do what's best for him.

Oh gosh! I am so sorry. I can not imagine what you are going through but I am sure it is not easy. I agree with Joyce when she said you have to sit and list the pros/cons and then you can take it from there. I would not want to be in your position because I would not know what to do at this point. I wish you all the best.

On January 09 2008, 12:34 AM, amazincc wrote:And the killer was definitely the palm leaf he picked up in the parking lot on the way out of the vet office... he was still shaking, but he picked it up, carried it to my daughters car, jumped in the back seat w/me, nudged me - and gave it to me. My heart absolutely went to pieces over that...

Christine, this is so touching. I have to believe he knows you are trying to help him, and apologizing for his fear or maybe assuring you he forgives you?

This is so heartbreaking to read, I can't imagine how difficult this is for both of you. You have lots of support here from the guys who have been around a while, and also from us newbies just learning the different characters.

I am so sorry to hear about Mick. You are in my prayers. What ever your decision is it will be right for you both. Mick loves you and knows you love him. Keep a positive outlook things might change. I pray they do for you both. Give Mick hugs and kisses every day and tell him its going to be ok for me.

Oh that is so hard. Whatever you decide to do we will support you 100% I would hate to have to make that kind of a decision. Here's hoping for a better one next time whatever you decide and give mick a big hug for me.

Mickey has been pretty sick with diarrhea and he has been throwing up a lot. My Mom is giving him medication for both and she is really worried about him. He is still bringing her a leaf every day even though he doesn't feel good and it makes her even sadder - that he is still thinking of her despite being so sick.

I'm sorry Mick is so sick. Kato was getting really sick from Vincristine too, so they changed a couple of things around and he's fine with it now. I don't know if this will be any help to you, but here's what my Oncologist did. They gave him a new med for nausea called Cerenia. It's really made a big difference. I don't know if it's all due to the Cerenia, but Kate hasn't vomited at all in weeks, even when he was treated with Adria, which really made him ill in the past. They also switched Kato to Vinblastine instead of Vincristine, but that was after Kate had Vincristine quite a few times and it just wasn't agreeing with him.

You are all in my thoughts. Hang in there....it goes away in a day or two.

On January 11 2008, 2:32 AM, Jessica wrote:Mickey has been pretty sick with diarrhea and he has been throwing up a lot. My Mom is giving him medication for both and she is really worried about him. He is still bringing her a leaf every day even though he doesn't feel good and it makes her even sadder - that he is still thinking of her despite being so sick.

Jess, and Christine, the vomiting and diarrhea is pretty common, even though it sucks.... it usually does get better as his system gets more used to it...

The leaf is freakin amazing.... i love hearing that... but i bet it does make her sad.... as well as pleased

Heather

A dog teaches a (kid) boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.- Robert Benchley

When Riggs was really sick last December they gave him an injected anti-nausea drug, they may not be able to do that for him, but you might want to ask. I also know that in people they sometimes put in a shunt so that you don't have to try and find a vein every time you have to do chemo, is that a possibility? Maybe that would allow them to make the visits shorter and possibly less stressful?

I know you're getting a million suggestions from every side, which is dizzying.

A few years ago, I lost my very young cat to liver failure. There were a few treatment options that would have prolonged his life and possibly saved him but they would have been extremely stressful for him and lasted for 6 months or longer. I completely understand what you are going through with that decision. It is not easy, there is no "easy" in this situation.

Michelle

Inside me is a thin woman trying to get out. I usually shut the bitch up with a martini.

When Riggs was really sick last December they gave him an injected anti-nausea drug, they may not be able to do that for him, but you might want to ask. I also know that in people they sometimes put in a shunt so that you don't have to try and find a vein every time you have to do chemo, is that a possibility? Maybe that would allow them to make the visits shorter and possibly less stressful?

I know you're getting a million suggestions from every side, which is dizzying.

A few years ago, I lost my very young cat to liver failure. There were a few treatment options that would have prolonged his life and possibly saved him but they would have been extremely stressful for him and lasted for 6 months or longer. I completely understand what you are going through with that decision. It is not easy, there is no "easy" in this situation.

I don't know if it is the same for dogs, but when I was going through mine I had a pick line. They left it in because my veins were so burnt up from everything else. Plus I was like Mick, scared to death and kinda fought it the whole time. I would get some anxiety medicine first through the line then proceed with the other. Don't know if this will help, but I thought I would suggest it. Made it easier on me and my husband. I know Christine this is so hard on you. You never want to see the ones you love in distress. Chemo is not fun to go through. My thoughts are with you everyday.